"Project Orion: Night City and a 'Chicago Gone Wrong' Teased by Mike Pondsmith"

CD Projekt's highly anticipated sequel to Cyberpunk 2077, codenamed Project Orion, remains shrouded in mystery, but Cyberpunk creator Mike Pondsmith has recently shared some intriguing insights. Pondsmith, who played a significant role in the development and promotion of the original game that sold over 30 million copies, discussed his involvement with Project Orion at the Digital Dragons 2025 conference.

While Pondsmith admitted to having a less hands-on role this time, he confirmed that he reviews scripts and visits CD Projekt to provide feedback on the ongoing work. During his last visit, he engaged with various departments and offered his thoughts on new elements like cyberware.

The most exciting revelation from Pondsmith was about the sequel's setting: it will introduce a brand new city alongside the familiar Night City. He described this new location as "like Chicago gone wrong," suggesting a dystopian atmosphere reminiscent of, but not necessarily set in, Chicago. This new city aims to evoke a distinct feel, differentiating itself from the Blade Runner-esque vibes of Night City.

It's important to note that Pondsmith's comments hint at a thematic similarity to Chicago rather than confirming a future version of the city itself. There's ongoing speculation about whether the sequel will expand on the existing Night City or introduce an entirely new version, and to what extent these cities will be playable. The possibility of two fully realized cities in the sequel adds an exciting layer of depth to the game's world.

Every CD Projekt Red Game In Development

View 8 ImagesWhile CD Projekt is currently focused on The Witcher 4, they have established a new studio in Boston dedicated to Project Orion. Earlier this year, it was reported that 84 out of CD Projekt's 707 staff members are working on Project Orion, which is still in its conceptual phase. Given this early stage, significant changes are expected, and a release is likely some time away.

In addition to Project Orion, CD Projekt is also developing a new Cyberpunk animation project for Netflix, building on the success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. In the nearer future, Cyberpunk 2077 is set to be released on the Nintendo Switch 2, expanding its reach to new audiences.